For many of us, it’s back to work today after a long weekend. I had hoped to do a bit more relaxing than I did, but at least I got some things around the house done – you know – important stuff like taking down shower doors and putting up a shower curtain rod. MLIA.

In case you missed it last Friday, we’re trying to help a teacher at Central Tech get a new stove for her autism classroom, with the goal of teaching her students independent skills. She’s asked for a touch over $750, and I’m pleased to report that as on last night, we’ve only got $272 left to go. Thank you so much to the 9 donors that have helped to fund this project. I love having this website and the ability to do things like this – and thank you to our thousands of daily readers who chip in to do cool things like this. A couple of bucks here and there and we can have a direct impact on some young people in Erie. I don’t know about you, but that’s really cool. Here’s her project page at DonorsChoose.org.

If you donate any amount to the project and let me know, we’ll give you or your business some free ads on our Erie Blogs Ad Network. It’s the least we can do. We’ve got a few takers already, which is cool.

Also, the newest Erie Observer comes out Wednesday. Subscribe here.

I-90 was closed for a bit yesterday afternoon due to an accident in western New York. Four people injured in the crash were taken to Hamot. One person is reported to have been killed. Reports say 9 people were in a minivan, including four children. 9 people sounds like too many people for a minivan. I hope the kids were in carseats.

Jim Martin of the ETN reported yesterday that tourism and tourism spending in Erie saw an increase this year. That’s all fine and good, but we can’t base our entire economy on tourism jobs. We need some high tech up in this piece.

Speaking of tourism, the end of the Labor Day weekend brings about the end of the season at Waldameer and the end of swimming at Presque Isle. See you next Spring.

Speaking of the end of summer, fall means its time for cider and pumpkins and the like. The new Fuhrman’s will finally reopen next Saturday after being closed for a few years. New owners are taking over and lets hope they keep the same quality and taste of the cider. I’ll be stopping in for sure. The new store is on Upper Peach in Summit Township. Here’s a map:

Tammy Beers of Erie is quoted in this AOL News article about a new Dexter action figure. Oh! The outrage about a doll based on a fictional TV character. Kojak = stunned.

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) has chosen Mercyhurst to receive a “Green Power: Turn it On!” award for its “continued dedication to clean energy, including a three-year commitment to purchase 100 percent of your electricity needs from wind power.” Mercyhurst is the only institution of higher learning in Erie County to receive this recognition of its commitment to sustainability and, according to the EPA Green Power Partnership Program, one of just three colleges and universities in the state to be 100 percent wind-powered.

Finally, we received an email from John Mills, who worked as an usher at the Dipson Plaza and is trying to remember the name of the elderly ticket taker aroung 1954. It’s obviously way before my time, but perhaps you can help. He says the name of Glen Hartleb, Bob Passerotti and Micky Hunt comes to mind, but if you can help, please post a comment.

Sports

The Seawolves lost Monday 9-2 to Akron and have finished the season 66-76. See you next Spring.

The Erie Otters have started up as well – they hosted an exhibition on Saturday against the Niagara Ice Dogs and played in Niagara on Monday. After a few more warm-up games, their season starts for reals on September 24.

Quick note – if you or someone you know works for the Otters, can you have them email us their press releases and game scores? I’m not navigating their crappy website for the info.

The Steelers have named Dennis Dixon their week 1 starter. This can’t end well. Imagine my surprise as I read SI’s NFL preview and Peter King picked the Steelers to win the Super Bowl over Green Bay. Er, what? Has he missed all the stuff going on with this team?

Molly Marsh scored twice for the Lakers and Gabrielle Catrabone added three assists as the Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team posted a 4-1 win over Davis & Elkins.

Buoyed by Cassee Kiplinger’s two goals coming off the bench, Edinboro’s women’s soccer team earned its second straight victory with a dominant 7-0 rout of Wheeling Jesuit on Sunday at Sox Harrison Stadium.

Interceptions on two consecutive possessions early in the first half set up two touchdown passes by senior star T.J. Salopek and Allegheny cruised to a 28-0 victory at Bethany College in the 2010 season opener for both schools. The victory marked the 31st time that the Gators have opened their slate with a shutout, and their second consecutive effort since Allegheny blanked Case Western Reserve, 26-0, in 1975.

Events

The Waterford Fair started Monday and continues through the week. Mmmm, fair food.

Jay Badams, Erie’s new superintendent of schools, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s September Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, September 9 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Ann Miaczynski at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.